Wholesale: Products & Services

Product Catalog (PCAT)

Unbundled Local Loop - General Information - 114.0

Product Description

Unbundled Local Loop is a facility or transmission path between the Distribution
Frame or equivalent in the CenturyLink™ Central Office (CO) and the loop
Demarcation Point at the end-user premises. The 'Demarcation Point' is defined as
the point where CenturyLink ownership of facilities ceases and Competitive Local
Exchange Carrier (CLEC), end-user, owner or landlord ownership of facilities
begins. Unbundled Local Loop network element includes all features, functions, and
capabilities of the transmission facilities including dark fiber and all attached
electronics, with the exception of Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer
(DSLAM), owned by CenturyLink, between a CenturyLink CO and the loop Demarcation
Point at the end-user premises. Unbundled Local Loop provides a transmission path
that is a point-to-point configuration. You gain access to an unbundled local loop
at the CenturyLink CO through the establishment of a collocation arrangement.
Information for collocation is available in Collocation - General Information.
Individual state commissions and Interconnection Agreements determine the
structure, pricing and guidelines for Unbundled Local Loop.

CenturyLink offers optional processes for facility assignment, conditioning, and
testing associated with the 2-Wire or 4-Wire Non-Loaded Loop (LX-N) and Asymmetric
Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) Compatible Loop (LXR-) via an amendment to the
CLEC's Interconnection Agreement (ICA). These products are referred to as "LX-N and
LXR- xDSL Capable Loops" and refer to 2-wire and 4-wire copper loop(s) that would
support transmission of the digital signals needed to provide xDSL Services.

Minnesota Only: In addition to the xDSL Services amendment, CenturyLink also offers an xDSL Services addendum which is optional processes for facility assignment, conditioning, and testing associated with the 2-Wire or 4-Wire Non-Loaded Loop (LX-N) and Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) Compatible Loop (LXR-) via an xDSL Services addendum to the CLEC’s Interconnection Agreement (ICA). The xDSL Services addendum does not have loop length restrictions for three (3) specific NCI codes for the NC code of LX-N. See additional information below regarding testing performance parameters. CLEC has the option of either the xDSL Services amendment or the xDSL Services addendum.

"LXR- xDSL Capable Loop" means an xDSL Capable Loop that is associated with the
ADSL Compatible Loop product and NC Code of "LXR-," including the codes identified
with a CenturyLink LXR- NC code in Technical
Publication, Interconnection - Unbundled Loop, 77384. LXR- xDSL Capable Loops
include Loops with any of the NCI codes used in association with an LXR- NC code to
identify the type of xDSL Service.

LX-N xDSL Capable Loop" means an xDSL Capable Loop that is associated with the
2-wire and 4-wire non-loaded loop product and NC Code of "LX-N," including the
codes identified with a CenturyLink LX-N NC code in Technical Publication, Interconnection - Unbundled Loop,
77384. LX-N xDSL Capable Loops include loops with any of the NCI codes used in
association with LX-N NC code to identify the type of xDSL Service.

Product Diagram

This diagram is intended to generally represent an Unbundled Local Loop
configuration. Variations may occur from location to location.

Availability

Unbundled Local Loop is available where facilities exist throughout CenturyLink QC. Exceptions may apply where Commission Orders or state requirements
exist.

Non-Impaired Wire Centers and the Omaha Forbearance Wire Centers are described at Non-Impaired Wired Center Lists for Loops and Dedicated Transport. In those cases, the Commercial DS0 Loop Facility is available only via the Commercial DS0 Loop Facility Agreement and the DS1/DS3 equivalent facility is available only via CenturyLink’s Special Access Tariffs.

Terms and Conditions

Unbundled Local Loop product offerings are provided where existing facilities
are available and in compliance with provisions of Commission Orders and State
Requirements as stated in this web page.

Unbundled Local Loop services that extend to designated high voltage (HV)
environments are required to have high voltage protection (HVP). HVP devices may be
provided by you, the end user, or may be requested from CenturyLink. General High
Voltage Protection activities are described in High Voltage Protection.

When multiple Unbundled Local Loops are ordered from the same Network Interface
Device (NID) to the same wire center at the same time, they will be assessed a
first and additional nonrecurring charge. Information regarding your rates is
available in Exhibit A or the specific rate sheet in your Interconnection
Agreement.

Non-Recurring charges are comprised of the following:

Installation Option chosen

Additional charges that can apply include:

Grooming

Conditioning

Extension Technology

Private Line to Unbundled Local Loop Conversion

Transfer of Responsibility

Miscellaneous Elements

Nonrecurring charges are billed at the time service is rendered. A nonrecurring
charge applies to the installation of service(s) and in some states a disconnect
service(s) charge will apply.

A nonrecurring customer transfer charge will apply when converting an existing
Private Line to Unbundled Local Loop pricing. If you request a dispatch when
converting an existing Private Line to Unbundled Local Loop pricing, the
nonrecurring installation rate for that specific Installation
Options will be assessed. Contact your CenturyLink Sales Executive if an
amendment to your Interconnection Agreement is necessary to support Private Line to
Unbundled Local Loops pricing.

One-month minimum billing, contract termination liability and associated
contract charges for the product from the loop converted will apply. Miscellaneous
charges assessed may include, but are not limited to, Due Date Changes; Design
Changes; Conditioning; Time and Materials; Maintenance of Service, and Premises
Work.

Rates

Wholesale rates for this product or service, including tariff references and any
applicable discounts, are provided in your current Interconnection, Resale,
Commercial, or other governing agreement.

Pre-Ordering

Loop qualification queries should be used prior to submitting a service request.
Use of the queries can greatly reduce service request rejects by ensuring the types
of facilities requests are available prior to placing a service request. The query
will enable you to verify the type of facility and physical characteristics of the
facility. Based on the physical characteristics you can determine if the facility
needs to be conditioned, (the removal of load coils or excessive bridged taps - for
xDSL Capable Loops), which will assist you in identifying the appropriate service
request intervals, as described in the Service Interval Guide (SIG).

Some of these queries are available in IMA and others are web based. The
qualification queries provide you with access to physical characteristics of the
CenturyLink Facility from CenturyLink databases. This is the same underlying data
that CenturyLink utilizes for its retail product offerings.

The queries are for informational purposes only and do not restrict or imply
that your service will or will not work on a given facility. This determination
is your responsibility.

For web based queries, contact your CenturyLink Service Manager to request an
ID, which will be required to obtain the Digital Certificate required for access to
the Wire Center RLD and the Fiber Data Reports. You will need to provide the names
and telephone of each staff member that will be accessing the query. After your
CenturyLink Service Manager has notified you that the necessary access permissions
have been established, and provided you with your ID, you may then initiate the Digital Certification process.

Optional Loop Qualification Information for xDSL Services

On xDSL Capable Loops (LX-N and LXR-), CenturyLink will provide CLEC with: (1)
the formula(s)/algorithm(s) that CenturyLink uses for calculation of EML, and/or
(2) a Loop Qualification tool that calculates insertion loss for xDSL Capable
Loops, using the same formula(s)/algorithm(s) that CenturyLink uses for calculation
of EML.

Information about the IMA based loop qualification queries are available in the
IMA User's Guide or the Pre-Ordering Overview. The IMA Loop
Qualification and Raw Loop
Data-CLEC Job Aid is a web-based training course designed to provide valuable
information and instructions on how to use and interpret IMA-based loop
qualification queries and the raw loop data queries.

The Loop Qualification Query can be accessed via IMA to pre-qualify for High
Speed Internet, Unbundled Local Loop and ADSL. If the end-user's telephone number
is a Port-Within telephone number also known as a Location Ported telephone number,
you must use the address to perform an ADSL qualification. Information regarding
the Loop Qualification query is described in the IMA User's Guide and the Loop Qualification and Raw Loop
Data-CLEC Job Aid.

It is important to understand the network topology, in understanding the
difference between a 'stand alone' Serving Wire Center or Serving Central Office, a
Host Central Office, a remote and a Remote Service Unit (RSU). Generally, Serving
Wire Center is a term used to describe a Central Office that directly serves a
specific geographic area of end-users. In this circumstance, there are no
intermediary offices between the end-user and the Central Office. Contrarily, Host
Office is a term generally used to describe a Central Office that directly serves
sub-tending office(s) in addition to its own end-users. For example, the Dry Creek,
Colorado Central Office has some direct end-users and is also the originating end
of the cable that fed the Tech Center in its remote status (not as a stand-alone
Serving Central Office). A remote is a piece of field equipment attached to the
Serving Wire Center that provides capability that the end-user's distance would
otherwise prohibit. Thru time, if or when a remote grows to accommodate a
significant number of its own end-users, it can be deemed a sub-tending office.
This sub-tending office is generally referred to as an RSU and becomes a Serving
Central Office (i.e., no longer a remote, but a Remote Service Unit).

A distinct cable naming convention is used when an end-user is not directly
served by the Host Central Office (i.e., served from a remote), an "EX" prefix will
appear in the end-users distribution cable pair (e.g., F2 ca EXA7). The "EX" prefix
designates the cable that extends from a remote to the end-user. When an end-user
is served from a Remote Serving Unit (RSU), Unbundled Local Loops are available
only when you are collocated in the same RSU that your end-user is served by. If
you are not collocated in the same RSU as an end-user, Enhanced Extended Loops
(EELS) are available to serve end users that have EX cable designations in their
distribution pair. Where an end-user is fed out of a Serving Central Office other
than one where the Collocation is present, an EEL is also used.

Unbundled Loops are available when you are collocated in the same Serving
Central Office that your end-user is served by. Generally, once a remote becomes a
Serving Central Office, you can now collocate in the RSU and serve the customer
with an Unbundled Loop (UBL) or continue to serve from the old Host Central Office
under the EEL.

In rare instances where the facility between the Host office serving that RSU
and the end user has been included in the Unbundled Loop cost models, CenturyLink
will continue to make Unbundled Loops available to you to serve that end user.
These instances will need to be evaluated on an ICB basis, contact your CenturyLink
Sales Executives for assistance if you believe you have such an instance. The
Chandler Main AZ central office is one such exception. Unbundled Loops are
available in Chandler Main when an "EX" prefix appears in the end-users
distribution cable pair.

Border town cities are physically located and tariffed in one state with service
provided from a central office located in a different state. The recurring and
non-recurring rates for each border town are based on the tariffs of the state
where the service is physically located. Taxes are also based on the end user's
physical location, not the serving Central Office.

For UBL accounts, the SBN/MAN number, Summary BAN, Geographic Deaveraging Rate
Zone, and Exchange Code (Eastern) will be assigned using the END USER State data.
The STN (Eastern) and Circuit ID will be assigned using the serving central office
State data.

Exceptions occur where a tariff specifically addresses a city by name or by
NPA/NXX. In these exception cases, the tariff is the final source of authority for
determination of recurring and non-recurring charges as well as late payment
charges.

Ordering

Upon completion of construction or augmentation of your Collocation, CenturyLink provides you
with an Alternate Point of Termination (APOT) form. The APOT form will provide you
with the specific Collocation terminations at the ICDF frame or the frame where the
service terminates. This is your Connecting Facilities Assignment (CFA)
information, which you will need when submitting a service request.

Unbundled Local Loop and Unbundled Local Loop with LNP requests requires a
facility between the serving wire center and the end-user. Market Expansion Line
(MEL) also known as Remote Call Forwarding (RCF) does not have a facility
associated with it, therefore, MEL conversion to an Unbundled Local Loop or
Unbundled Local Loop with LNP is unavailable.

Unbundled Local Loops can be ordered in conjunction with a Multiplexer (MUX).
Refer to Loop MUX Combination (LMC) for more
information.

Service requests for multiple Unbundled Local Loops can be submitted on one
service request to disconnect, move or change, if the Circuit Identifications
terminate at the same end-user address. The requested ACT type must be the same for
each loop on the service request. Information is available in the IMA User's Guide and LSOG.

If you relate Purchase Order Numbers (PON) and associate them to a Project
Identification Code, in the PROJECT field on the LSR, or if the LQTY field on the
LSR has 25 or more loops, the service request will be handled as a project by the
center responsible for handling your account. The installation guidelines for
projects are negotiated on an Individual Case Basis (ICB) based on the request.

Unbundled Local Loop Installation Options

Seven installation options are available for Unbundled Local Loop. The following
is information regarding each of the provisioning installation options:

Basic Installation -

Available for new or existing Unbundled Local Loops. For an existing end-user,
the basic installation option is the 'lift and lay' procedure. In this scenario the
CenturyLink technician 'lifts' the loop from its current termination and 'lays' it
on a new termination connecting to the CLEC. For new end-user service, the basic
installation option involves CenturyLink Technicians to complete the circuit wiring
and conduct the performance tests to ensure the circuit meets the required
parameter. Test results are not provided to the CLEC.

Available for new or existing Unbundled Local Loops. For an existing end-user,
the 'lift' and 'lay' process is performed. In addition performance testing is done
to ensure the circuit meets the required parameters limits. Test results are
provided to your designated contact verbally during close-out activities of the
order on the due date. For new end-user service, this option requires a dispatch to
the end-user premises. The CenturyLink Technician will complete the circuit wiring
and conduct performance tests to ensure the circuit meets the required parameter
limits. The test results are provided to your designated contact verbally during
close-out activities of the order on the due date.

LSR entries include a 'N' or blank in the 'CHC' field and the 'TEST' field
contains a 'A' for performance testing.

Basic Installation with Cooperative Testing * -

Available for a new or existing Unbundled Local Loops. For an existing end-user,
the 'lift' and 'lay' process described above is performed. Your designated contact
is contacted on the due date to perform loop back acceptance test, accept the loop
and exchange demarcation information. Test results are provided verbally during
close-out activities of the order on the due date. For new end-user service, this
option requires a dispatch to the end-users premises. The CenturyLink Technician
will complete the circuit wiring and conduct the performance tests to ensure the
circuit meets the required parameter limits. Your designated contact is contacted
on the due date to perform loop back acceptance test, accept the loop and exchange
demarcation information. The test results are provided verbally during close-out
activities of the order on the due date.

If CenturyLink fails to perform cooperative testing due to CenturyLink's fault,
CenturyLink will waive the nonrecurring charge for the installation option. If you
still desire cooperative testing, you and CenturyLink will attempt to set a new
appointment time on the same day and, if unable to do so, CenturyLink will issue a
jeopardy notice and a FOC with a new Due Date.

LSR entries include a 'N' or blank in the 'CHC' field and the 'TEST' field
contains a 'I' for cooperative testing.

Coordinated Installation with Cooperative Testing *,** -

Available for a new or existing Unbundled Local Loops. The service request
submitted must designate a specific 'Appointment Time' for the cooperative testing
to occur.

For an existing end-user, the 'lift' and 'lay' process is performed, on the due
date, at the designated 'Appointment Time', the CenturyLink Technician will contact
your designated contact to ensure that you are ready for the installation, at which
time the work is initiated and the required performance test conducted. Additional
tests requested by you are also performed at this time. The test results are
provided verbally during close-out activities of the order on the due date. If you
are not ready within thirty (30) minutes of the scheduled appointment time, you
must re-schedule the installation by submitting a supplemental service request for
a new Due Date and appointment time. If CenturyLink is not ready within thirty (30)
minutes of the scheduled appointment time, CenturyLink will waive the nonrecurring
charge for the installation option, you and CenturyLink will attempt to set a new
appointment for the same day. If CenturyLink fails to perform cooperative testing
due to CenturyLink's fault, CenturyLink will waive the nonrecurring charge for the
installation option. If you still desire cooperative testing, you and CenturyLink
will attempt to set a new appointment time on the same day and, if unable to do so,
CenturyLink will issue a jeopardy notice and a FOC with a new Due Date.

For new end-user service, this option requires a dispatch to the end-user premises. On the due date, at the designated ‘Appointment Time’ the CenturyLink Technician will contact your designated contact to ensure that you are ready for the installation, at which time the installation work is initiated and the required performance test conducted. Additional tests requested are also performed at this time. The test results are provided verbally during close-out activities of the order on the due date. When this option is selected with 25 or more DS0 Unbundled Local Loops, or one or more DS1 Capable Loops or DS3 Capable Loops, the parameters for the Project Coordinated Installation can apply. Additional information is located in the Project Coordinated Installation option below.

For Unbundled Loop only requests, the LSR entries should include a 'Y' in the 'CHC' field, the 'APPTIME' field should be populated in military format and the 'TEST' field should contain a 'B' for cooperative testing.

For Loop with Number Portability requests, the LSR entries should include a 'Y' in the 'CHC' field, the 'APPTIME' and Desired Frame Due Time (DFDT) fields should be populated with the same time in military format and the 'TEST' field should contain a 'B' for cooperative testing.

Note:If an LSR to supplement the request is submitted to change the APPTIME, either the value of “override” should be placed in the APT CON field or the LSR must be marked for manual handling by placing a 'Y' in the Manual Indicator (IND) field in order to coordinate the time change with the CenturyLink test team.

Coordinated Installation without Cooperative Testing ** -

Available for a new or existing Unbundled Local Loops to coordinate conversion or CFA change activity. The service request submitted must designate a specific ‘Appointment Time’ to coordinate this activity.

New or Conversion of existing Unbundled Local Loops

For an existing end-user, the 'lift' and 'lay' process is performed, on the due
date, at the designated 'Appointment Time'; the CenturyLink Technician will notify
you that the conversion activity is beginning. Your designated contact will be
notified by the technician once the 'lift' and 'lay process is completed.
Performance test results are not provided. If you are not ready within thirty (30)
minutes of the scheduled appointment time, then you must reschedule the
installation by submitting a supplemental service request. If CenturyLink is not
ready within thirty (30) minutes of the scheduled appointment time, CenturyLink
will waive the nonrecurring charge for the installation option. You and CenturyLink
will attempt to set a new appointment time on the same day and, if unable to do so,
CenturyLink will issue a jeopardy notice and a FOC with a new Due Date.

For new end-user service, a dispatch may be required to tie-down the new circuit
at the end-user premises. You may elect to specify that no dispatch is requested.
This will signal the CenturyLink Technician that they will not need to stay on the
premises to perform the Coordinated Installation once the circuit is in place. On
the due date, at the designated 'Appointment Time', after the circuit is in place,
the CenturyLink Technician will contact you to ensure that you are ready for the
installation. The work will be initiated and the required performance tests
conducted. Performance test results are not provided, your designated contact is
notified when the installation is complete. When this option is selected with 25 or
more DS0 Unbundled Local Loops, or one or more DS1 Capable Loops or DS3 Capable
Loops, the parameters for the Project Coordinated Installation can apply.
Additional information is located in the Project Coordinated Installation option
below.

Coordinated CFA Changes

For a coordinated CFA change on your existing Unbundled Local Loop end-user, the ‘lift’ and ‘lay’ process is performed, on the due date, at the designated ‘Appointment Time’; the CenturyLink Technician will notify you that the change activity is beginning. Your designated contact will be notified by the technician once the ‘lift’ and ‘lay’ process is completed. Performance test results are not provided. If you are not ready within thirty (30) minutes of the scheduled appointment time, you must reschedule the change by submitting a supplemental service request. If CenturyLink is not ready within thirty (30) minutes of the scheduled appointment time, CenturyLink will waive the nonrecurring charge for the installation option. You and CenturyLink will attempt to set a new appointment time on the same day and, if unable to do so, CenturyLink will issue a jeopardy notice and a FOC with a new Due Date.

For Unbundled Loop only requests, the LSR entries should include a 'Y' in the 'CHC' field, the 'APPTIME' field should be populated in military format and the 'TEST' field should contain an 'N' for no cooperative testing required.

For Loop with Number Portability requests, the LSR entries should include a 'Y' in the 'CHC' field, the 'APPTIME' and 'DFDT' fields should be populated with the same time in military format and the 'TEST' field should contain a 'N' for no cooperative testing required.

Note: If an LSR to supplement the request is submitted to change the APPTIME, either the value of “override” should be placed in the APT CON field or the LSR must be marked for manual handling by placing a 'Y' in the Manual Indicator (IND) field in order to coordinate the time change with the CenturyLink test team.

Project Coordinated Installation ** -

Available for a new or existing Unbundled Local Loops. The Project Coordinated Installation permits you to obtain a coordinated installation for Unbundled Local Loops with or without LNP, when you order DS1, DS3 or 25 or more DS0 Unbundled Local Loops. The Project Coordinated Installation Option is available with the Coordinated Installation with Cooperative Testing or the Coordinated Installation without Testing. The service request submitted must designate a specific ‘Appointment Time’ to coordinate the conversion activity.

All requests are processed on a first come, first served basis and are subject to CenturyLink’s ability to meet a reasonable demand. CenturyLink will schedule the appropriate number of employees based on the scale and scope of the project based on the information you provided. If you requested Project Coordinated Installation with LNP and the LNP Managed Cut conversion is not successful; you and CenturyLink will jointly isolate and fix the problem in a timeframe agreeable with you and your end-user. If the problem cannot be resolved within an acceptable timeframe, you may request the restoral of CenturyLink service for the ported customer. CenturyLink will ensure that any LNP order activity requested in conjunction with a Unbundled Local Loop Project Coordinated Installation will be implemented in a manner that avoids interrupting service to the end-user, ensuring that the end-user’s CenturyLink loop will not be disconnected prior to confirmation from you that the loop has been successfully installed.

For Unbundled Loop only requests, the LSR entries should include a 'Y' in the 'CHC' field, the 'APPTIME' field should be populated in military format and the 'TEST' field should contain a 'B' for cooperative testing.

For Loop with Number Portability requests, the LSR entries should include a 'Y' in the 'CHC' field, the 'APPTIME' and 'DFDT' fields should be populated with the same time in military format and a 'Y' should be populated in the Manual Indicator (IND) field.

The Remarks section of the LSR must indicate 'Project Coordinated Installation' for both of the above scenarios.
Note: If an LSR to supplement the request is submitted to change the APPTIME, either the value of “override” should be placed in the APT CON field or the LSR must be marked for manual handling by placing a 'Y' in the Manual Indicator (IND) field in order to coordinate the time change with the CenturyLink test team.

For additional information on installation options please refer to the your Interconnection Agreement.

* Upon order close-out, the CenturyLink Implementor/Coordinator will first provide verbally and then email the test results to your permanent email address within two business days. The email notification will only take place if you have provided the permanent e-mail address to your CenturyLink Service Manager. For an example of the Test Results Provider Tested Access (PTA) Test Result Notifications, click here. This option is available with the following provisioning installation options:

Basic Installation with Performance Testing

Basic Installation with Cooperative Testing

Coordinated Installation with Cooperative Testing

** You will be required to attempt an appointment reservation to reserve an appointment, which will populate the APT CON field. This requirement applies when the appointment is made via IMA. APT CON must have a value for these products when CHC = Y. Information for Schedule Appointment is described in the IMA User’s Guide. Although Field entry requirements are located in the LSOG, CenturyLink lays out some UBL specific information in this section.

Service requests should be placed using IMA-Graphical User Interface (GUI) or faxed to (888) 796-9089. The IMA Users Guide specifically details information applicable for the ordering functions.

Batch Hot Cut (BHC) Installation

This option permits you to obtain migrations from an analog service to an
Unbundled Local Loop - 2-Wire or 4-Wire Analog (Voice Grade) Loop in volumes of a
minimum size of 25 per CLEC, per Central Office to a maximum size of 100 among all
CLECs, per Central Office per day. Line Splitting using UNE-P or CenturyLink
Platform Plus (QPP) lines to a loop splitting arrangement are also included in the
BHC. Circuit wiring is completed, Dial Tone (DT) , Automatic Number Identification
(ANI) and continuity tests are performed. BHC installations are performed between
3:00 AM and 11:00 AM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

LSR entries: 'B' in CHC field, APPCON field must contain confirmation # from
Appointment Scheduler, NC code must equal LX- (loop only or loop with number
portability) or LX-N (loop with loop splitting)

* Upon order close-out, the CenturyLink Implementor/Coordinator will first
provide verbally and then email the test results to your permanent email address
within two business days. The email notification will only take place if you have
provided the permanent e-mail address to your CenturyLink Service Manager. This
option is available with the following provisioning installation options:

Basic Installation with Performance Testing

Basic Installation with Cooperative Testing

Coordinated Installation with Cooperative Testing

** You will be required to attempt an appointment reservation to reserve an
appointment, which will populate the APT CON field. This requirement applies when
the appointment is made via IMA. APT CON must have a value for these products when
CHC = Y. Information for Schedule Appointment is described in the IMA User's Guide.
Although Field entry requirements are located in the LSOG, CenturyLink lays out
some UBL specific information in this section.

Service requests should be placed using IMA-Graphical User Interface (GUI) or
faxed to (888) 796-9089. The IMA User's Guide specifically details information
applicable for the ordering functions.

Circuit ID (ECCKT)

Unbundled Local Loop service requests are identified by using Common Language
Circuit Identification (CLCITM). The CLCI is in Serial Number format and is
provided to you on your FOC. Once the Circuit Identification is assigned, all
subsequent requests must carry the Circuit Identification in the ECCKT field of the
LSR. See Circuit
ID (ECCKT) for more information.

Conditioning

Conditioning is defined as the removal of Load Coils and Interfering Bridged Tap
from DSL Capable facilities. (Interfering Bridged Tap is defined as any amount of
Bridged Tap that would cause loss at the end-user location to exceed the amount of
loss allowable by the ANSI Standards.) Some services may require CenturyLink to
condition facilities (remove Load Coils and Interfering Bridged Tap) in order to
provision the type of service you requested. See
Unbundled Local Loop Conditioning for more information.

Optional Conditioning Process for xDSL Services

Conditioning is available for xDSL Capable Loops (LX-N, LXR-, and ADU-) via an
optional amendment and includes removal of at least load coils, low pass filters,
range extenders, any single Bridged Tap(s) greater than 2000 feet, total Bridged
Tap(s) greater than 2500 feet, any Near-End Bridged Tap(s), and any Far-End Bridged
Tap(s) from a copper unbundled Loop or Subloop. In addition to the xDSL Amendment
conditioning option, the CLEC will also have the option of requesting that Remove
All Conditioning, be performed under the terms of the amendment.

CLEC will indicate on its service request or repair ticket a request for
Conditioning and/or Remove All Conditioning in the event conditioning is necessary.
For services available via the xDSL Services Amendment, see Conditioning -
xDSL Capable Loops for more information when requesting conditioning during
Loop Provisioning or Repair.

Minnesota Only:

The xDSL Services addendum to your ICA allows for the optional conditioning process for xDSL services mentioned above with the following restriction:

Remove All Conditioning option during provisioning is not available for the following three (3) LX-N loop types (available on Repair Only.)

Re-use of facilities is a CenturyLink priority. Facilities are re-used when an
existing end-user is migrated to a CLEC, either from CenturyLink or another CLEC,
as long as the loop qualifies for the requested service and both providers are
located in the same Serving Wire Center. See Unbundled Local
Loop Re-Use Facilities for an ordering scenario and more information.

Service Request Scenarios

Listed below are some of the service request scenarios for Unbundled Local Loop,
additional scenarios may apply:

Provisioning and Installation

NC/NCI (Network Channel/Network Channel Interface Codes are used to determine
the specifications of the facility you are ordering. Each unique combination sends
a different set of instructions to CenturyLink technicians. NC/NCI codes for
provisioning are available in the Technical Publication, Interconnection - Unbundled Local Loop, 77384.

Facility Availability

When you submit a request for an Unbundled Local Loop the standard assignment
process may include both mechanized and manual processes. Requests that can be
provisioned over copper facilities use the mechanized assignment process. The
following Facility Processes are described in the Provisioning and Installation Overview:

Fiber Facility Assignment Process for DS1 and Above -The Fiber Facility
Assignment process is used by CenturyLink to assure the proper methods have
been addressed when a service order requesting Fiber Facilities is received.
This process differs from the Copper assignment process because all fiber
facility assignments are performed manually.

If cable capacity is available, CenturyLink will complete any necessary
incremental facility work to provide complete facilities to the end-user premises.
This work includes but is not limited to, placement of a drop, addition of a NID at
the end-user demarcation point, addition of cards to an existing Subscriber Loop
Carrier Systems at the CO and Remote Terminal, addition of CO Tie Pairs, and
addition of Field Cross Jumpers. This process will not include the splicing of
Unbundled Dark Fiber (UDF). Additional information for UDF can be found in Unbundled Dark Fiber (UDF).

If no facilities are available to meet the parameters required for your
requested service, CenturyLink will look for an existing engineering job order that
could fill your service request in the future. If an engineering job order is
identified, CenturyLink will provide the Ready For Service (RFS) date. You will
have the opportunity to wait for the service to be delivered or cancel your service
request. For more information see the Availability
section.

If the service request involves a 2-Wire or 4-Wire Analog (Voice Grade)
Unbundled Local Loop, and the loop is considered primary service the normal
assignment process described above will be followed in its entirety. If no
facilities are available, and there is No Planned Engineering Job, an engineering
job order will be initiated to ensure delivery of the primary service to the
end-user. CenturyLink will construct facilities for the 2-Wire or 4-Wire Analog
(Voice Grade) loop that are in alignment with its Eligible Telecommunications
Carrier (ETC) ) status.

CenturyLink will construct facilities to satisfy the primary 2-Wire or 4-Wire
Analog (Voice Grade) lines for the Unbundled Local Loop, in the same manner as
CenturyLink constructs these facilities for its end-users.

If you submit a service request for a 2-Wire or 4-Wire Analog (Voice Grade)
Unbundled Local Loop, and the loop is considered secondary service the normal
assignment process described above will be followed in its entirety. If facilities
can not be located and there is No Planned Engineering Job, your service request
will be held for 90 business days. Availability of facilities is on first come,
first served basis. If spare facilities become available, a Firm Order Confirmation
(FOC) is generated and sent to you in response to your original service request. If
at the conclusion of the 90-business day hold, facilities are still unavailable,
your service request will be rejected. Exceptions may occur, as mentioned above.
This information is also described in the Provisioning and Installation Overview. If
it is determined that facilities are unavailable, contact your CenturyLink Service Manager for other
options. Information for CLEC requested Unbundled Network Elements (UNE)
Construction is available in CLEC Requested
Unbundled Network Elements (UNE) Construction (CRUNEC).

When you submit an Unbundled Local Loop request for xDSL Services (i.e., 2-Wire
or 4-Wire Non-Loaded Loop, ADSL Compatible Loop, ISDN BRI Capable Loop, DSL-I
Capable Loop), for or a DS1 Capable Loop or DS3 Capable Loop, the normal assignment
process will be followed in its entirety. If facilities can not be located and
there is No Planned Engineering Job, your service request will be held for 90
business days. Availability of facilities is first come, first serve basis. If
spare facilities become available, a FOC is generated and sent to you in response
to your original service request. If at the conclusion of the 90 business day hold
facilities are still unavailable, your service request will be rejected. Exceptions
may occur, as mentioned above. This information is also described in the Provisioning and Installation Overview. If
it is determined that facilities are unavailable, contact your CenturyLink Service Manager for other
options. Information for CLEC requested UNE Construction is available in CLEC Requested UNE Construction (CRUNEC).

Optional Facility Assignment Process for xDSL Services

CenturyLink will take into account the NC code and the NCI code when assigning
facilities for xDSL Capable Loops (LX-N, and LXR-). Additional information on
Facility Assignment for these services via the xDSL Services Amendment may be found in Assignment
of Facilities - xDSL Capable Loops.

Minnesota Only: The xDSL Services addendum to your ICA allows for the optional facility assignment process for xDSL services mentioned above with the following addition:

The following three (3) xDSL Capable Loops have no loop length limitations:

A jeopardy on a service order request results if a condition exists that
threatens timely completion of the request. Jeopardy notifications are described in
the Provisioning and Installation
Overview.

Testing

Specific Performance Testing is conducted to ensure that a circuit meets the
required parameters and objectives of the requested loop type. Performance tests
are conducted based on the Unbundled Local Loop product being converted to or
installed. Product information is available on each product by selecting the
product hyperlinks included in the Product Description section.
Performance information is located in the Technical Publication, Interconnection - Unbundled Loop, 77384. Additional
information can be found in the Installation Options in the
Ordering section.

Optional Testing Process for xDSL Services

Testing performed for xDSL Capable Loops (LX-N and LXR-) available via the xDSL Services Amendment is described in Performance
Testing-xDSL Capable Loops. CenturyLink will conduct the Performance Parameter
Tests as needed to fully resolve the trouble. When CenturyLink completes testing,
results will be provided to CLEC through Customer Electronic Maintenance and Repair-Maintenance Ticketing Gateway (CEMR-MTG). Other testing may be needed to
repair a loop so that it performs consistent with industry standards for the type
of xDSL Service deployed. If the trouble is not resolved, CLEC may escalate
directly to its CenturyLink service manager, who will immediately escalate
internally to ensure needed testing is identified and conducted to resolve the
trouble.

Minnesota Only:
The xDSL Services addendum to your ICA allows for the optional facility assignment process for xDSL services mentioned above with the following addition:

CenturyLink will perform these tests and report the results of the tests to you. For the following loops with NC code of LX-N and NCI code of the following:

NC

NCI

SECNCI

LX-N

02QB5.001

02DU5.001

LX-N

02QB9.005

02DU9.005

LX-N

04QB5.00F

04DU5.00F

CenturyLink will deliver the best possible loop to you, but is not required to meet the associated performance parameters required in the xDSL Services Addendum for the other LX-N NCI codes. The reported results will serve as a benchmark for repair purposes. Refer to the xDSL Services Addendum, Attachment 3 Performance Parameter Tests for details.

CenturyLink will provision an Unbundled DS1 Loop to meet American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. Depending on the type of installation option
you choose, test results may or may not be provided at time of test and turn
up.

CenturyLink does not have an option for you to request a 0dB level on your
Unbundled DS1 circuit. However, when you order a Basic Installation with
Cooperative Testing or Coordinated Installation with Cooperative Testing, your
technicians have the opportunity to conduct joint testing with the CenturyLink
technician and to mutually share relevant/applicable information pertaining to the
demarcation information. If the prescribed transmission parameters (i.e., ANSI
standards) do not work for your equipment or you are still experiencing problems
with the circuit, CenturyLink will alter the dB loss setting where technically
feasible, to make the circuit functional.

If you have not requested Cooperative Testing as part of your installation
option, and you are experiencing problems with the Unbundled DS1 circuit, your
order will be completed and you will be required to open a repair ticket utilizing
the QCCC Warranty process. Detailed information for the QCCC Warranty process can
be found in the Maintenance and Repair
Overview.

Migration to Unbundled Local Loop

For Unbundled Local Loop , the migration activities will not exceed forty-five
(45) minutes. For more information on migrations and conversion, see Migrations and Conversions
Procedural.

Account Activity Reporting

CenturyLink is responsible for notifying you of any activity associated with
your account. This includes transfers of your end-users to other Local Exchange
Carriers and order completion on requests you have submitted. Loss and Completion
Reports are generated based on loss and gain account activity. Information
regarding completion notification, including Loss and Completion Reports, is
described in the Provisioning and
Installation Overview.

Spectrum Management

Spectrum Management is the administration of outside loop plant to assure
spectral compatibility for services and technologies that use pairs in the same
cable. In general, spectrum compatibility refers to the ability of loop technology
to operate and reside in the same or adjacent binder groups without causing an
unacceptable degradation of service from the end-user's perspective.

The NC/NCI codes submitted on your LSR describe the type of technology, fitting
within a Power Spectral Density (PSD) mask. These codes will provide CenturyLink
with the technical parameters at which the newly deployed or changed technology
will operate. Detailed information is available on each product by selecting the
product hyperlinks included in the Product Description section.
The NC/NCI codes are specified in the Technical Publication, Interconnection - Unbundled Loop, 77384.

CenturyLink will treat NC/NCI code information provided by you as proprietary
information. This proprietary information will be used for Spectrum Management
administration purposes only. The PSD mask on all loops, within a binder group,
will be disclosed only if trouble or interference occurs on the end-user's xDSL-I
loop.NOTE: Optional NC/NCI Process for xDSL Services

For those CLECs that have terms in the Interconnection Agreement requiring it to
do so, CenturyLink will use the NC/NCI codes for purposes of provisioning,
maintenance and repair, in addition to using them for Spectrum Management.

If trouble or interference, found by either you or CenturyLink, is degrading
the performance of other advanced services or traditional voice band services,
the carrier experiencing the interference will notify the causing carrier. When
notified of the problem, the causing carrier, given reasonable opportunity to
correct the problem, shall promptly take action to bring its
facilities/technology into compliance with industry standards.

If a carrier's end-user experiences interference problems, CenturyLink will
provide binder group information to you within 48 hours, after receiving a
trouble resolution request. In the trouble isolation process, you will need to
test the pairs in the binder group and identify the spectrum class causing the
problem. Once isolated, CenturyLink will then provide you with names of the
carriers and the spectrum classes in the affected binder group.

If you are unable to isolate trouble to a specific pair within the binder
group, CenturyLink, upon receipt of a trouble resolution request, will perform a
main frame pair by pair analysis and provide results within five business days.
Contact your CenturyLink Service Manager regarding your request.

CenturyLink will not have the authority to unilaterally resolve any dispute
over spectral interference among carriers.

CenturyLink shall not disconnect carrier services to resolve a spectral
interference dispute, except when voluntarily undertaken by the interfering
carrier or CenturyLink is ordered to do so by a state commission or other
authorized dispute resolution body.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has designated that within the
CenturyLink network there are "known disturbers," such as T1 Transport, and
CenturyLink will spectrum manage "disturber" technology as required by FCC
rules.

Order Status

For order status information for Unbundled Local Loops above DS0 signal levels, refer to CEMR-MTG. This tool requires a digital certificate. For additional information about CEMR-MTG, access CEMR-MTG Online Help.

Constructions Plans

CenturyLink Outside Plant (OSP) and Interoffice (IOF) engineering jobs may be
viewed in the ICONN database. For specific details and instructions see the
Tariffs, Regulations, and Policies Section of the Provisioning and Installation
Overview.

Upgrades of Interoffice Facilities may allow copper interoffice facilities to be
redesigned as available for loop facilities. When copper interoffice facilities
become available, these copper loop facilities will be available as spare for you
to use as unbundled local loops to your end-users. This spare copper will be
indicated as spare facilities in the Raw Loop Data (RLD)
Tool.

Service Intervals

The due date interval for Unbundled Local Loops depends on the type of loop that
is being installed. Service and FOC intervals are available in the Service Interval Guide (SIG). Additional
state specific information is available in Exhibit C for the relevant state.

If the requested installation interval specified is less than the standard
interval, your request will be processed with the intervals found in the SIG. If
you requested an installation interval that is greater than or equal to the
standard interval, the requested installation interval will be assigned. The
standard intervals and critical dates are available in the SIG.

The provisioning intervals for converting from Private Line to Unbundled Local
Loop pricing are located in the SIG.
The intervals will be consistent with the type of loop you are converting to, e.g.,
Private Line DS1 to Unbundled Local Loop DS1 Capable Loop Pricing, your
provisioning interval would be for DS1 Capable Loop.

CenturyLink normal hours of operations are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through
Friday, excluding CenturyLink Holidays. Installations requested outside of the
normal operating hours are considered to be Out of Hours Installations. All Out of
Hours installations require a coordinated installation option as defined in the Ordering section. Contact your CenturyLink Service Manager for
information regarding this process. Out of Hours rates are assessed for this
service. These rates appear in Exhibit A or the specific rate sheet in your
Interconnection Agreement.

CenturyLink technicians do not provide service past the Demarcation Point at the
end-user premises on an Unbundled Local Loop.

Maintenance and Repair

You retain the right to request reconciliation of trouble reports in order to
minimize repeat reports. You can initiate the reconciliation process through your
CenturyLink Service Manager.

Trouble isolation and testing is a joint process. Details of this process are
described in the Test Results Information download found in the Maintenance and Repair Overview under
CenturyLink Design Services Trouble Ticket Codes and CenturyLink Non-Design
Disposition & Cause Codes.

Billing

CenturyLink is responsible for notifying you of any activity associated with
your account. This includes transfers of your end-users to other Local Exchange
Carriers and order completion on service requests you have submitted. Loss and
Completion Reports are generated based on loss and gain account activity.
Information regarding completion notification, including Loss and Completion
Reports, is described in the Provisioning and Installation
Overview.

Training

Local CenturyLink 101 "Doing Business With CenturyLink"

This introductory web-based training course is designed to teach the Local
CLEC and Local Reseller how to do business with CenturyLink. It will provide a
general overview of products and services, CenturyLink billing and support
systems, processes for submitting service requests, reports, and web resource
access information. Click here
for Course detail and registration information.

Unbundled Loop

This instructor-led process and systems training course is designed to
introduce and teach the Unbundled Loop (UBL) products, instructing CLEC's on how
to request service for Unbundled Loops. This course will provide and overview of
the current UBL products, and address the Pre-Order, Order, Post-Order,
Provisioning, Billing and CMER Maintenance and Repair. Click here to learn more about
this course and to register.

IMA "Hands On"

This introductory instructor-led training course teaches you how to use
CenturyLink's IMA Graphical User Interface (GUI) to order wholesale products. You
will experience interactive software demonstrations and participate in hands-on
practice sessions to familiarize your self with the IMA GUI system. Click here to learn more about
this course and to register.

Directory Listing Providers Business Procedures

The Directory Listing Providers Business Procedures describes CenturyLink
processes and business rules for working with you to establish and maintain
directory listing information throughout CenturyLink QC. You provide end-user directory listing information to CenturyLink to
ensure that the end-user listings in CenturyLink's listing database are current
and accurate. This makes your listings available to CenturyLink's Directory
Assistance (DA) and for publication in published directories based on contractual
agreements. Maintaining a comprehensive listing database, regardless of each
end-user's Local Service Provider, ensures that end-users have access to complete
DA Information and the option to appear in a published White Page Directory. Click here to learn more about this
course and to register.

This course introduces the participant to the IMA functionality as well as
the processes that need to be followed to establish, change and/or delete
directory listing information. The participant will review the resources
available to assist with Directory Listing questions and processes. A significant
amount of time will be spent reviewing CenturyLink listing business rules and how
to complete an Ordering and Billing Forum (OBF) Directory Form via IMA. Click here to learn more about this course
and to register.